About Us

A Community Built on Compassion

Since 1973, Community Care Car has helped Woodland seniors maintain their independence through the power of neighbors helping neighbors.

Jim Lawson, the founder of Woodland Community Care Car

Our Story

It Started With One Simple Question

In the early 1970s, Woodland businessman Jim Lawson noticed a growing challenge facing local seniors and individuals with disabilities: transportation. Doctor appointments. Grocery shopping. Community activities. Many people simply had no reliable way to get where they needed to go.

Rather than waiting for someone else to solve the problem, Jim began building what would eventually become Community Care Car.

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Officers and Trustees - 2026

James D'Aurora
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President
Georgia Workman
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Vice President
Nadine Leishman
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Treasurer
Susan Cassady
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Secretary
Janice Cardin
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Past President
Sarah Gould
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Phone Scheduler
Bob Silva
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Van Scheduler
Sharon Hein
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Van Scheduler
David Corona
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Trustee
Roy Miller
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Trustee
Julie Farnham
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Trustee
Larry Main
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Trustee
Mark Smithers
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Trustee
Shirlee Groos
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Trustee
Tawna Aubuchon
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Trustee

Our Journey

A Timeline of Community and Commitment

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1973 Community Care Car Founded

Jim Lawson establishes the organization to provide free transportation for seniors and those in need.

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Community Steps Up

Kiwanis, Rotary, AARP, Soroptimist and many others volunteer their time and support.

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First Van Donated

Harter Volkswagen in Davis donates our first vehicle to help get the wheels turning.

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Community Fundraising

Local businesses and residents rally together, raising funds to purchase our own van.

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Operations Move to Senior Center

We find a home at the Senior Center, strengthening our connection with the senior community.

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Today

More than 50 years later, we continue to serve thousands of Woodland seniors each year.

The Community Responded

When Jim approached local organizations, the response was immediate.

Members of the Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, AARP, Soroptimists, local businesses, churches, and community leaders volunteered their time, vehicles, resources, and support. Community Care Car quickly became a true community effort fueled entirely by local generosity.

The community that is being helped by Woodland Community Care Car

Built By Volunteers. Powered by Community.

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The First Care Car

The organization's first vehicle was donated by Harter Volkswagen in Davis.

Local businesses stepped forward to provide signage, fuel, maintenance, and support. When it came time to purchase a permanent vehicle, the Woodland community raised more than enough money within days.

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Volunteers Made It Possible

The organization was built on volunteers from day one.

Community members coordinated rides, answered phones, balanced books, recruited drivers, and ensured every rider received the help they needed.

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Senior citizens didn't want charity. They wanted to remain as independent as possible.

— Jim Lawson, Founder

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Always About Independence

From the beginning, our mission has been about dignity, respect, and independence–never charity. We listen to our riders and respond to their needs.

Our Impact

More than 50 Years of Service

Based on historical records, Community Care Car has transported more than 60,000 riders while remaining rooted in its volunteer-driven mission.

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50+

Years of Service

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60,000+

Rides Provided

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97+

Dedicated Volunteeers

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Thousands

Lives Positively Impacted

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50+

Years of Service

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100%

Volunteer Driven

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Thousands

of Rides Provided

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Community

Supported by Donations

Woodland Community Care Car has been helping the community since 1973

A Legacy That Continues Today

Community Care Car remains committed to the same mission that inspired its founding in 1973:

Helping Woodland seniors remain independent, connected, and active within the community.

While vehicles, technology, and volunteers have changed over the years, the heart of the organization remains the same—neighbors helping neighbors.

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Help Continue the Story

Every ride depends on volunteers, donors, and community support.